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Cuba Economy: glimpses of a new order

( Updated: 01/13/2015 )

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Manuel Fernandez, 80, is a retired state employee. For 20 years, he's had a business license for a repair shop, which he runs from his front porch. He fixes pots and pans. The Christian Science Monitor

A shopkeeper stands inside a state-run costume shop in downtown Havana on Jan. 2015. From bus drivers to bartenders and ballet dancers, many Cubans are already imagining a more prosperous future after the United States said it will put an end to 50 years of conflict with the communist-run island. Alexandre Meneghini/Reuters

Cuban singer Eliades Ochoa (l.) of the Buena Vista Social Club, who is nominated for the Latin Grammy 2012, performs during a rehearsal in Havana September 26, 2012. Enrique De La Osa/Reuters

Young men work out at a community sports center in Havana, Cuba on Jan. 2015. The Dec. 17 announcement of detente between the US and Cuba has raised hopes of improved conditions on the island but Cubans also worry about the changes to come. Ramon Espinosa/AP

A bike taxi driver rides with a passenger in downtown Havana on Jan. 2015. Alexandre Meneghini/Reuters

US chef Steve Sullivan holds plates of bread as fellow chef Charlie Hallowell, right, looks toward the dining room of the privately-run restaurant Le Chansonnier in Havana, Cuba, Dec. 7, 2012. Sullivan and Hallowell visited Cuba as part of the "Planting Seeds" delegation that held give-and-take seminars with chefs and culinary students about slow food. Ramon Espinosa/AP

The most common car today in Cuba are Russian made. This car was customized by his proud owner. He claims to have been offered $12,000 for the car. The Christian Science Monitor

Men play dominoes in Central Havana. It is common to see idle men discussing sports or playing games around the city The Christian Science Monitor

In this Sept. 8, 2012 photo, Guillermo Castillo, 60, works on a valve that regulates the passage of sugar cane juice at the sugar processing plant "Brasil" in Jaronu, Cuba. The Brasil sugar plant, launched in 1921, is getting a makeover and is expected to be ready in time for the upcoming annual harvest and start milling cane by February. Franklin Reyes/AP

Esilda Espinosa sits next to a statue of the Catholic saint Lazaro, as she waits for a passersby to donate alms that she will use to finance a celebration on the saint's feast day in Havana, Cuba, Dec. 7, 2012. Affectionately known as "El Viejo Lazaro," or the Santeria equivalent, Babalu Aye, the religious icon is usually represented wearing ragged clothes and with dogs licking the sores on his feet. Franklin Reyes/AP

Two young Cubans check out "revolutionary" publications at an open air book seller in an Old Havana square. After 52 years of the Communist Revolution, Cuba's leaders attempt to redefine their economic model. Small changes, such as allowing some people to own businesses, are starting to be implemented, as Raul Castro guides the country towards a 21st century model of the famed revolution. The Christian Science Monitor

The Havana Shopping Plaza is where Cubans can buy imported goods. The stores only take "pesos convertibles," which exchange one to one with US dollars. Many Cubans receive money from family members living abroad. The Christian Science Monitor

Kids play baseball in central Havana. Education for children is compulsory in Cuba. The Christian Science Monitor

A pharmacy in El Vedado, in what used to be a middle class area developed in the first half of 20th century. The Christian Science Monitor

A waiter stands outside a restaurant housed in a 19th century book press in Old Havana. Prices on the menu are in "Convertible Pesos" which is the currency tourists are required to exchange. The Christian Science Monitor

Iconic old American cars create a kind of rolling auto museum in the Cuban capital. The Christian Science Monitor

Workers repair a statue of Jose Marti at a memorial – in the Plaza de la Revolucion in Havana – dedicated to this national hero. The Christian Science Monitor

An aerial view of Havana bathed in the warm light of sunset. The Christian Science Monitor

A woman sits under a picture of former Cuban leader Fidel Castro in her home in Havana October 6, 2012. Enrique De La Osa/Reuters

Employees work at a watch repair shop in Old Havana. The Christian Science Monitor

Cubans play a game that combines Basque handball or "fronton" and tennis in a court in Old Havana. The Christian Science Monitor

A wall that has been decorated with the Cuban flag is seen in Havana January 2, 2013. Cuba celebrated the 54th anniversary of the revolution that brought Fidel Castro to power on January 1, 2013. Enrique De La Osa/Reuters